112 | Staying positive in Piha Brenna Bishop, left, has recently qualified, while Hannah Stavers, right, has only a few more things to tick off for her apprenticeship. Macreadie Builders T T Sue Russell BUILDING Joel Macreadie acknowledges that 2023 wasn’t the best of years. The Auckland builder lives in Piha, an area impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier in the year. By the business-end of 2023 Joel says the family had just managed to move back into their home though he acknowledges others in the district have been more severely affected. When Business North spoke with Joel he was at home working on large retaining wall foundations. “It was a tough year with the disruption and having to shift out of our home and I’m glad the year is behind us.” The company has grown over the years with Joel’s younger brother Marshal relocating from Rotorua to join the team and with the help of another solo tradie Noah from Total Residential Solutions. “When we needed a spare set of hands on deck we could rely on Noah to step in which was crucial for the first two builds for us,” Joel explains. Brenna Bishop has recently qualified, while Hannah Stavers has only a few more things to tick off for her apprenticeship. Brenna was project manager of the first two builds in Oratia and now Hannah is taking on the third build under the watch of Joel and Brenna to gain confidence and learn about organising sub-trades, managing timelines and budgets. “Having a small team means I can keep staff engaged in what we are doing and learn how to build well but also how to manage a project and a team. We think it is the key to success for this industry.” The Oratia development is a joint venture project that Joel initiated with a past client whom he had built a home for in Kumeu. Joel found the Oratia project during lockdown and worked the numbers to confirm to the partner that the project was financially viable. “This business model works well for both us us.” Eventually all four sections will have a house built, with similar design but unique orientation to suit each site. “We actually built the foundations for three homes with the plan to build two at a time because it worked best to do it that way. We gained code of compliance on the first two homes and put them on the market. Currently they are being rented out as we await sale and then we will build the third house to sell.” Joel says the homes are very appealing; large family dwellings, over spec’d with all surpassing the healthy homes standards. While these builds have occupied the bulk of the company’s time this year Joel has committed to a new build for a neighbour at Piha, beginning March or April. “That build will probably take us six months to complete. Then when I have the opportunity to build the fourth house at Kaihuia Lane, the funds from that will provide me with the springboard to hopefully acquire some more land.” Asked why he’s chosen to concentrate on his own builds Joel says having the creative freedom and control is a real benefit. “We build because we love to build and create cool stuff. Being able to make decisions outselves and having that control is really important to me.” Plans ahead are to remain at about the same size in terms of staff. Joel says he feels that what he has, with wife Jess also actively involved is quite special and with an outstanding architect Mahendra Dahji on board to create the designs, the structure of the business is very sound. “Mahendra will work on future developments for us as well. He understands the quality and spatial elements we are after.” Joel is very much still on the tools and intends to remain that way. With a young family having a good balance between work and home life is important. Macreadie Builders are members of NZ Certified Builders. “It’s a very good organisation to belong to because of their entry standards along with the support it provides members. I would recommend any one establishing their own building business considers joining.” • Land Surveying • Service Location • Health and Safety • Project Management • Resource Consents • Construction Setout • Traffic Management • Civil Engineering Design • Tendering and Estimating Services list ANTONIO CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD ARE SPECIALISTS IN PROVIDING CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES TO CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS. Mobile: (027) 233 1172 | Email: antoniocivil@xtra.co.nz | www.antoniocivil.co.nz antonio civil engineering Making themost For ideas and information about our windows and doors talk to MDAluminium on 09 836 6922 Quality built to last. Euroclass Roofing is an Auckland based Architectural roofing and cladding company. We specialise in quality roofing and cladding with Steel, Aluminium, Copper and more. info@euroclassroofing.co.nz 021 030 4266 www.euroclassroofing.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. 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